Chapter 2. Installing the Virtualization Packages

To use virtualization, Red Hat virtualization packages must be installed on your computer. Virtualization packages can be installed when installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux or after installation using the yum command and the Subscription Manager application.

You can install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 with only the basic virtualization packages or with packages that allow management of guests through a graphical user interface. Do one of the following:

Install a minimal virtualization host

Select the Virtualization Host radio button in the Base Environment pane and the Virtualization Platform check box in the Add-Ons for Selected Environment pane. This installs a basic virtualization environment which can be run with virsh or remotely over the network.

Select the Server with GUI radio button in the Base Environment pane and the Virtualization Client, Virtualization Hypervisor, and Virtualization Tools check boxes in the Add-Ons for Selected Environment pane. This installs a virtualization environment along with graphical tools for installing and managing guest virtual machines.

Figure 2.3. Server with GUI selected in the software selection screen

Finalize installation

Click Done and continue with the installation.

Important

You need a valid Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscription to receive updates for the virtualization packages.

2.1.1. Installing KVM Packages with Kickstart Files

To use a Kickstart file to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux with the virtualization packages, append the following package groups in the %packages section of your Kickstart file:

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